Neighbors have influenced the Vietnamese people in regards to what they eat and how they cook. People fr0m Mongolia who invaded Vietnam fr0m the north in the tenth century brought beef with them. This is how beef became part of the Vietnamese diet. Common Vietnamese beef dishes are pho bo (Beef Noodle Soup) and bo bay mon (Beef Cooked Seven Ways).

An agreement on visa exemption for diplomatic and official passport holders signed between Vietnam and the Republic of Paraguay’s governments will take effect as fr0m October 26, 2008 announced the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Vietnam is located in both a tropical and a temperate zone. It is ch@racterized by strong monsoon influences, but has a considerable amount of sun, a high rate of rainfall, and high humidity. Regions located near the tropics and in the mountainous regions are endowed with a temperate climate.

Historically, Vietnam has been an agricultural civilization based on wet rice cultivating. The Vietnam War destroyed much of the economy of Vietnam. Upon taking power, the Government crea-ted a planned economy for the nation. Collectivization of farms, factories and economic capital was implemented, and millions of people were put to work in government programs.

The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a single-party state. A new state constitution was approved in April 1992, replacing the 1975 version. The central role of the Communist Party was reasserted in all organs of government, politics and society. Only political organizations affiliated with or endorsed by the Communist Party are permitted to contest elections. These include the Vietnamese Fatherland Front, worker and trade uni0nist parties.